The deadline for income tax submissions expires at midnight

Croatian citizens can still submit their annual income tax returns for the year 2009 today – until 7 PM in person at the competent branch of the Tax Administration according to their place of residence or usual residence, and the final deadline is midnight by which tax returns can be submitted by mail.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Finance, nearly 900,000 annual returns had been received by 10 AM today, and tax officials expect around 1.1 million tax returns this year. The last day for submitting annual income tax returns is usually the last day of February, but since February 28 this year was a Sunday, the final deadline is today, March 1. Citizens can submit their tax returns at the competent branch of the Tax Administration according to their place of residence or usual residence today, and these branches are open until 7 PM. Citizens can also send their annual income tax returns by mail, and the final deadline for this method of submission is until midnight (until 24:00 hours). Citizens can submit their tax returns at their nearest post offices, which will mostly operate until 7:30 PM, as announced by Croatian Post, which also reported that, as every year, they are accommodating citizens by extending the working hours of their offices so that everyone can submit their tax returns on time.

"After the Tax Administration finishes its working hours, users will be able to submit their shipments at post offices in larger cities until 8 PM, while the post office at Branimirova 4 operates all night. Citizens can also submit their shipments all night at the post offices in Rupa, Pasjak, Kaštel (Castel Venere) in Istria, Bajakovo in Slavonia, Dubrava Križovljanska near Varaždin, Macelj near Krapina, and Bregana," states the announcement from Croatian Post. They remind that it is best for citizens to send tax returns by registered mail with a return receipt so that they receive confirmation of sending and upon receipt, a stamp and signature of the recipient. More information about the operation of post offices can be obtained by calling the toll-free number 0800 303 304. Annual income tax returns for the previous year are submitted for the first time with the indicated personal identification number (OIB), and this year there are also some simplifications regarding documentation related to housing loan benefits and supplementary health insurance.

Namely, the tax relief for paid premiums of supplementary health insurance from HZZO for the year 2009 is recognized even without a confirmation from HZZO, which this year did not send those confirmations to the home addresses of insured persons. The data on the paid premium can be verified, along with the entry of the OIB, at HZZO through the HZZO call service (01/ 365-9015), on the website (www.hzzo-net.hr), and in person at HZZO regional offices, and it is sufficient to enter it in the tax return, and based on the data provided by the institute to the tax administration, that amount will be verified electronically. Citizens who have already used the benefit for housing needs and have already submitted the necessary documents, such as a copy of the purchase contract, a copy of the loan agreement, do not need to submit those documents this year, but should list those documents they have already submitted to the Tax Administration as an attachment to the annual return and indicate for which period (year) they submitted them. However, tax officials may exceptionally request those documents regardless of the fact that they have already been submitted to the Tax Administration. (H)